We the people of southern Kaduna read with shock the unfortunate, malicious and character assassinating write up that was published in page 42 of the daily trust of 23rd September 2013 captioned “QURIX AND MISMANAGEMENT OF KASU”.

It is unfortunate that through ZEMDAs numerous publications, it is clear that they want to breach the peaceful coexistence in this state and by this trying to turn Kaduna State University into a Zazzau State University.

As it is, in all their publications, they have never stated that Prof. Qurix, the Vice Chancellor of KASU is incompetent or has not improved the University in terms of infrastructure and even rapid expansion of the University. What interests them most is the fact that he is from Southern Kaduna who ordinarily will not have been given a chance to perform.

Referring to the allegations raised against him, we want to categorically state that it is unfortunate that ZEMDA are clamoring that the University Management should jettison merit for mediocrity, just to satisfy their ethnic interest. There is an NUC approved formula which is strictly adhered to by all Federal and State Universities across the country without any rancor in other places, and this has what the University Management under Prof. Qurix have implemented with a view to lifting the standard of education. Previous admissions showed that only about 20% of those that qualified from southern Kaduna Senatorial zone were admitted against over 75% admitted from other Senatorial Zones. Under Prof. Qurix, over 80% of the qualified candidates from the Northern Senatorial Zone were admitted as against 45% from the Southern Zone, so where is the injustice? We know that our qualified students are denied entry into some courses in some institutions. We challenge ZEMDA, in the spirit of justice and fairness, to publish the statistic of admission and staff employment into state and federal academic institutions in zone I and II in Kaduna State.

On the allegation of lopsided staff recruitment, it is unfortunate that even where Prof. Qurix has been fair in his recruitment, ZEMDA is not appreciative of that effort. We are aware that in the past, employment was not done on merit but on religious considerations thereby shortchanging the people of Southern Kaduna of the opportunity of being employed. It is to be noted that employment of Academic Staff in the University system is on merit. The qualified staff are employed irrespective of their zones or where they come from.

We wonder why ZEMDA is complaining about the development going on at the Kafanchan Campus of Kaduna State University when the law establishing the University provided for two Campuses to be developed concurrently. Kafanchan campus was neglected for 8 years which clearly shows that ZEMDA and its agents were those that tied the wheel of the development of Kafanchan Campus. Are they saying that Kafanchan is not part of Kaduna state?

It will also interest you to know that, of all the Federal Institutions sited in Kaduna State, all are situated in the Northern and Central Senatorial Zones with the Chief Executives mostly from Zaria origin and the bulk of the staff employed coming from the same geographical area. Even the few State Institutions cited in Southern Kaduna are grossly discriminated against and neglected. For instance, visit the College of Agriculture Samaru Kataf, Kaduna State College of Education Gidan Waya, College of Nursing, Kafanchan to confirm the pathetic situation compared to the pace of development in the State Institutions situated in the Northern and Central Senatorial Zones. Our kinsmen are denied opportunities to head such institutions even when they are most qualified.

We are also aware that ZEMDA has been insinuating and discouraging Muslims from being posted to work or admission in Kafanchan campus of Kaduna State University even when our children are encouraged by us to school in Zaria and its environs believing that we are promoting peaceful co-existence, ZEMDA are busy discouraging their children even when their children want to go to Kafanchan; thereby sowing seeds of hatred and disunity.

It is interesting to note that even the blind can feel the radical transformation of KASU in terms of physical structures, commencement of Kafanchan campus which was delayed for over 8 years, the establishment of three new faculties, Post Graduate School, Directorate of Consultancy services, attraction of goodwill from individuals and organizations, attraction of high impact academics both from Nigeria and abroad.

In view of the above we want to thank His Excellency the Executive Governor of Kaduna State Dr. Mukhtar Ramalan Yero for the unreserved support he has been given to the University and also believing in merit and competence rather than exalting mediocrity. In addition, we acknowledged His Excellency’s unbiased position in running the affairs of the State. We equally want to appreciate the Governing Council of the University under the able leadership of Alh. Abubakar Ladan for its focus and forthright leadership.

It is clear that ZEMDA’s publications and activities have shown their intentions to breach the law and order which His Excellency has been working hard to sustain in the State. Furthermore, ZEMDA should not take our silence and love for peace as weakness.

We therefore, see this publication as a serious fabrication of lies and mischievous distortion of facts so as to discredit our illustrious son Prof. W.B Qurix and the entire members of Council.

We therefore call on:

All well-meaning Nigerians to disregard this false, misleading and malicious publication by ZEMDA.

Encourage the Vice Chancellor Professor W.B Qurix and the governing council to remain focus and steadfast in doing what is right.

His Excellency the executive Governor to call ZEMDA, their sponsors and agents to order in the interest of peace in Kaduna state.

CC:

The Vice President Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Arch. Mohammed Namadi Sambo

Anambra State Assembly – Chief Onuorah

Defections…

“…Since the APC had allowed legislators to decamp from the PDP to join its fold in the recent past, the ruling party lacks the moral and political right to condemn the defection of the R-APC legislators. But the crass opportunism of the APC cannot legitimize the prostitution of the political system.”Femi Falana, SAN
(Lawyer & Human Rights Activist)

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